Almshouse
(noun)
A charitable institution for the maintenance of the poor, usually providing housing and sometimes also food and other necessities of life.
Origin:
Middle english, from old english ælmeshus, from ælmes (alms) + hus (house).
Examples:
- The almshouse provided housing for the poor.
- During the Middle Ages, almshouses were established to provide for the elderly and infirm.
- He lived in an almshouse for the last years of his life.
- Almshouses were often built by wealthy individuals as a way to fulfill the religious obligation of charity.
- The almshouse was the only option for homeless people in the city.